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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.